Magnus winced, a sharp breath leaving his lips as his hand immediately went to his back. Pain flashed clearly across his face as he lay there for a second, stunned.
Sophia stared at him.
Then blinked.
Her lips parted slightly before she muttered under her breath, barely holding it in—
“I didn’t know curses worked this fast…”
“Nothing,” she said quickly, turning her face slightly, trying to hide the smile tugging at her lips.
When she looked back at him, concern replaced it—at least on the surface. “Are you alright, Magnus?”
He let out a slow breath, pushing himself up with a slight grimace.
“I’m fine…”
He stood, though a slight stiffness showed in the way he straightened. His hand moved to his lower back again, rubbing it with a quiet groan before he looked at her.
Sophia exhaled, her expression cooling once more.
“Mr. Graves,” she said, her tone firm now, “I think we’ve had enough for today. Please leave. I need some space.”
For a moment, disappointment flickered across his face.
But then his gaze dropped—to her heels.
His gaze flicked to the shoebox on the table, then back to her.
“Next time you go out,” he said, his voice softer now, “wear those.”
He gestured slightly toward her feet. “I made sure they’re comfortable. They won’t hurt your feet, no matter how long you stand.”
His voice softened, almost instinctively. “If they do hurt… tell me. I’ll have someone bring you a better pair.”
His eyes stayed on hers.
“Don’t stay in pain.”
Sophia didn’t respond. She just stared at him, caught off guard by his concern for her.
Magnus stepped closer again.
Then he lifted his hand. His fingers brushed her cheek as he cupped her face gently.
Sophia’s breath hitched.
“It bothers me,” he said quietly, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “Seeing you stand in heels for that long… your feet must hurt.”
His thumb brushed faintly against her skin.
“So listen to me,” he added, his voice low, almost coaxing. “Wear these next time. Okay?”
Sophia’s heartbeat quickened.
She stared at him—at his face, at his eyes, at the way his voice softened when he spoke to her.
She couldn’t help but feel a little touched by the quiet concern in his tone.
